Franschhoek Wine Valley, along with its wine members, initiated this award in 2010, giving recognition to its farm workers, all who have dedicated many years to this very successful wine producing area. The Oesfees is not only an opportunity to celebrate the harvest of that particular year, but it is also the perfect platform from which to give these workers recognition amongst their own communities.
The candidates were nominated by the individual farms where they work and were interviewed by an independent panel of judges. The criteria for assessment were dedication, knowledge, community involvement, responsibility and interpersonal skills.
Malies goes about his work in a quiet dedication, getting up at 5am in the morning, rounding up men from all over Franschhoek to start work at first light. He has a strong administration skill (not seen in many farm workers) and keeps accurate record of all events, daily happenings and is a key person when it comes to input regarding improvements and changes in the vineyards.
Not only is he very knowledgeable regarding his responsibilities and work but also has a thorough understanding of maintenance work and has made this part of his overall duties on the farm. He is seen as a leader on the farm and is well respected by his team as the "go to" man outside of the workplace. He makes time for his community - whether it be fighting threatening fires in the mountains or night time callouts for example.
On his own initiative, he started a marketing course and is considering the completion of the course in the near future, as his prize included a training course of his choice, along with a cash prize.
His fellow nominees, all of whom also won a training course, were: Moses Daniel (Moreson), Isaac Mdeyi (Lynx), Ferdie Davids (L'ormarins), Jerome Jafthas (Holen Manz Wine Estate), Nicky Jacobs (Glenwood), Japie Williams (Solms Delta), Jaftha Johannes (Cabriere), Hannes Morris (Allee Bleue), Boy Adams (Cabriere), and Aslam Solomons (Cabriere).
Franschhoek Wine Valley thanks Landua Du Val for its contribution and the Oesfees organisers for their support.
